New Jersey Dental Assistant Requirements

To legally operate dental X-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in New Jersey, a dental assistant must meet the requirements shown below.

A dental assistant must be licensed as a Dental Radiologic Technologist (DRT) by the New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners. To obtain this license, one must:

1. Successfully complete high school or its equivalent, AND

2. Be at least 18 years of age, AND

3. Be of good moral character, AND

4a. Successfully complete a New Jersey State-approved dental radiography course or its equivalent within the 5 years prior to application and pass the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam within the five years prior to application, OR

4b. Successfully complete a NJ state-approved dental radiography course or its equivalent more than 5 years prior to application and pass the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam within the five years prior to application, and document competent work experience in performing dental radiography procedures within 5 years prior to application (Note: it is illegal to obtain this work experience in New Jersey without the permission of the NJ Bureau of X-Ray Compliance), OR

4c. Successfully complete a NJ state-approved dental radiography course or its equivalent and hold current national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, AND

5. Apply for licensure to the State of New Jersey Bureau of X-Ray Compliance.

Note: A licensed DRT is not permitted to perform conebeam CT procedures unless he or she has met the requirements in the 12/31/13 exemption. Please contact the Bureau of X-Ray Compliance at 609-984-5890 for details.